MIS blood drive honors heroes, victims of 9-11
BROOKLYN, Mich. (September 11, 2014) – About 600 donors showed up to give blood at the Spirit of America Blood Drive at Michigan International Speedway, serving as a strong reminder that America will “never forget” the events of 9/11.
The annual blood drive at the racetrack began as a tribute in 2002 in honor of the victims and heroes of 9/11. Since its inception, the Spirit of America blood drive has collected more than 9,600 pints of blood, positively affecting more than 28,860 lives.
As of 5 p.m., about 300 units collected Thursday alone can potentially save 900 lives. (Each unit can be transfused to up to three people.) And the speedway was still processing additional donors after 5 p.m.
“I can’t say enough about the countless efforts of donors, volunteers, sponsors, Michigan Blood and MIS employees and the many others who helped make this event a success,” MIS Director of Guest Services and Spirit of America founder Tim Booth said. “A special thanks goes out to all the blood donors. This drive wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for their generosity.”
The Spirit of America has evolved into more than just a blood drive. It’s an event and a time of reflection – all at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich.
MIS has partnered with Michigan Blood, a nonprofit, community service organization founded in 1955, to host the blood drive for the past two years.
Those who attempted to donate got the opportunity to travel by MIS tram around the track, through the tunnel to the pits, and into MIS’s Home of the Brave, a 4,000-square-foot multi-media exhibit featuring “as it happened videos,” Presidential letters, magazines and newspapers and additional tributes.
Donors were also treated to a lunch by CP Federal Credit Union in the Champions Club overlooking the track.
At the conclusion of the tour, donors took an up-close view of more than 3,000 American flags proudly displayed at Unity Field to honor the victims of 9-11. The flags, each representing victims of the 9-11 attacks, were placed in the speedway’s Lot 10 by veterans from Brooklyn American Legion, Columbia Central High National Honor Society students, members of Gleaner Arbor and Michigan International Speedway staff.
About Michigan Blood
Founded in 1955, Michigan Blood is a fast growing, independent, non-profit blood bank headquartered in Grand Rapids. It provides blood products and services for more than 40 hospitals throughout Michigan and is an established leader in quality and service. Michigan Blood collects more than 120,000 units of blood each year at nine permanent donation sites and more than 3,700 mobile blood drives in 37 counties statewide. Michigan Blood has a nationally recognized stem cell (marrow) program and created Michigan’s first public cord blood bank. In addition, Michigan Blood provides therapeutic apheresis, cellular therapies for the treatment of cancer and transfusion medicine consultations. For more information, visit www.miblood.org.
About Michigan International Speedway
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time at NASCAR’s fastest racetrack for race fans and drivers alike.
